Downloading direct from the original publisher’s site can help you avoid bloatware, but even big names are guilty of installing additional software. These are generally safe to use, but many are cluttered with misleading ‘download now’ buttons that trick casual surfers into installing different programs.Įven with reputable sites, such as Cnet’s, you must take care to click the correct download button to ensure you get only the software you want. When searching online for a program, third-party download sites usually appear high in search results. Safe downloading starts with visiting reputable sites. They’re a nuisance to get rid of and can also be a vector for viruses and malware.
However, they also take up space, slow down your PC and can threaten your privacy. These – generally known as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUPs – are designed to make money for the developer or download website.
This is known known as bloatware, foistware and adware and includes search engine toolbars, media players and web browsers. Many offer demo or free versions of software, so you can try before you buy.īut it isn’t always straightforward: for example, along with the program you want, other software could sneakily download in the background. These get paid for providing software, either by advertising companies or by software vendors themselves. While you will probably use the app stores provided by the big technology companies (Apple’s App Store for iPhones, iPads and Macs, Google Play for Android phones and tablets and the Microsoft Store for Windows computers), there are also myriad other software marketplaces. Thanks to fast broadband, you can now download and install software straight from the internet – no need to go to out to the shops and buy a DVD in a boxīut some stores are safer and better than others - so here's a guide to how to be safe when you're downloading software from the web.
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